Which statement correctly describes qualitative data?

Which statement correctly describes qualitative data?

• A. They are numerical measurements
• B. They describe quantities and counts
• C. They describe qualities such as opinions or descriptions
• D. They are always exact

Answer: (C)

Qualitative data focuses on qualities and descriptions rather than numbers. It captures attributes such as opinions, feelings, or characteristics, often gathered from interviews, open-ended questions, or observations. Because it’s descriptive and interpretive, it isn’t about precise numerical values. That’s why describing qualities like opinions or descriptions is the best fit. In contrast, numerical measurements or counts are quantitative, and saying data are always exact isn’t true for qualitative information, which can be subjective or descriptive rather than strictly numerical or perfectly precise.

Qualitative data focuses on qualities and descriptions rather than numbers. It captures attributes such as opinions, feelings, or characteristics, often gathered from interviews, open-ended questions, or observations. Because it’s descriptive and interpretive, it isn’t about precise numerical values.

That’s why describing qualities like opinions or descriptions is the best fit. In contrast, numerical measurements or counts are quantitative, and saying data are always exact isn’t true for qualitative information, which can be subjective or descriptive rather than strictly numerical or perfectly precise.